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We are a social impact and technology-for-good partner
Rain Barrel Labs (Rain Barrel) is a global social impact consultancy based in Australia. We work with governments, organisations and companies to turn social and behavioural insight into practical, co-created solutions that deliver real-world outcomes for people and nature.
About us
Rain Barrel help partners turn insight into action that works in complex social systems. Our work draws on social and behavioural science, communication, user-centred design and ethical uses of technology to deliver practical, real-world outcomes for people and nature.
Building on our roots in communication for, with and about children, Rain Barrel brings together deep social and behavioural science expertise with emerging technologies to support sound decision making, strengthen systems and reduce implementation risk. We work alongside communities, governments, global agencies, foundations and socially minded companies to co-create solutions that are evidence-informed, operationally feasible and grounded in lived realities.
Our focus is on improving the lives of children, women and families by supporting partners to strengthen governance and social systems, shift norms and behaviours, and build resilience in communities facing complexity, uncertainty and change.
Our mission
To co-create good solutions for people and nature
We design solutions that uphold universal human rights, protect ecosystems, and make technology a force for agency rather than extraction.
What we mean by “good solutions for people and nature”
Good solutions must be:
- Inclusive by design
- Equitable in outcome
- Regenerative in impact
- Grounded in universal rights
- Protective of ecosystems
- Designed to elevate human agency
- Focused on strengthening systems
Our story
Rain Barrel began in New York in 2008 with a simple idea: every drop counts. Founded by Paul Hoeffel and Robert Cohen, the consultancy grew from a two-person practice into a global network trusted by UN agencies, governments, civil-society organisations, and private-sector innovators.
Over the next decade, Rain Barrel became known for high-integrity behavioural science and its ability to translate complex evidence into actionable and valuable solutions.
Today, we are a global network of more than 70 partners and associates working across continents to deliver and support effective implementation of social impact solutions.
Key milestones
2008
Rain Barrel Communications was founded by Paul Hoeffel and Robert Cohen, with a focus on communication for, with and about children.
2014
Andrea Brandt joined as Administrator, strengthening organisational operations, continuity and delivery reliability.
2019
Rain Barrel entered a new phase of global expansion and portfolio growth under the leadership of Tomas Jensen and Co-Director Paula Claycomb.
2020 - 2024
Rain Barrel deepened its specialisation in social and behaviour change, learning systems, gender equality and child rights programming, with additional leadership support from Co-Director Waithira Gikonyo.
2024 - 2025
Tomas Jensen founded Rain Barrel Labs in Australia and led the integration of Rain Barrel Communications and Rain Barrel Labs into a unified independent organisation focused on social impact and ethical, technology-for-good work, shaped by strategic repositioning input from Robert Cohen, Paul Hoeffel, Sumithra Bala, Andrea Brandt, Jarred Snow, Mario Mosquera and Waithira Gikonyo.
What our clients say
“Rain Barrel’s support was essential in preparing our global strategy to end violence against children and its child-friendly version. How wonderful to work with seasoned writers and creative strategists who bring heart and soul – and good humour – to everything they do!”
Susan Bissell – Director, Global Partnership to End Violence against Children
Creating impact starts with the right conversation
From new programs to systems already in motion, we help partners translate complex goals into practical, co-created solutions that communities value and stakeholders trust.
